Often dubbed the "mancession," the latest economic downfall hit men harder than women. At its worst, the unemployment rate for men surged to 11.4% in October 2009, while for women it went no higher than 8.9%.

Much of that trend can be explained by steep job losses in manufacturing, construction and finance -- all sectors still dominated by men. Industries with a higher concentration of women -- like health care and education -- actually added jobs.

Now that job creation is revving up again, men have more to gain. America could be in for a "manly" recovery, according to Bill Rodgers, chief economist for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.